Guardian Leader Training
Conferences & Events

Jackson Kerchis & Paul Krismer are the founders of Guardian Leader Training.

They have presented for the Utah Chiefs of Police Association, The Association of the US Army (the largest military and public service conference in the world), the Marine Corps, National Guard, Gateway Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Center (WILENET), and many state level military, public service, and law enforcement associations. Their sessions are at the intersection of psychology, resiliency, and readiness. Guardian Leader Training has provided a range of services to departments and professional associations: from keynotes, to workshops, to intense 3-day leadership programs, to multi-year training solutions.

Jackson and Paul create custom programs for each client. In the context of law enforcement and public service, the objective is to develop leaders who strengthen command climate, build resilient and cohesive teams, and enhance readiness to protect and serve.

These are highlights of the impact of our leadership development work in the National Guard:

1. Received life-changing feedback from our 2026 law enforcement supervisors cohort in Wisconsin earning the recommendation of ILEETA president Ray Merlin.
2. Partnered with a recruiting and retention battalion to drive a 34% recruiting production turnaround meeting or exceeding all state recruiting and retention missions for the first time in six years.
3. GLT training participants overwhelmingly (94%) say they received the skills and knowledge to create a positive, high performing climate.

Surprising Science of Happy Leaders and Readiness

We draw on a study of nearly one million servicemembers that shows happier people are more likely to win awards for performance and courage. This is the key to the ability to protect and serve — creating a command climate where those at all levels will flourish. We make connections to mental health outcomes, recruiting/retention, and productivity. We then share practical tools to create the optimal climate with a focus on 3 questions: How do you create cohesion? How do you support work-life balance? How do you develop emotionally intelligent (high EQ) leadership?

Create a “Magnetic” Climate: How to Attract & Retain Frontliners

Leaders must create environments that officers and public servants want to join — and choose to stay. This session explores the concept of a “magnetic climate,” where the climate of the organization draws in talent and fosters long-term commitment. We’ll break down the psychological drivers of retention, the impact of everyday leadership behaviors, and how to shape a climate that builds trust, pride, and belonging. We’ll also share the case study of the Wisconsin National Guard that led a 34% improvement — meeting all state recruiting/retention missions for the first time in six years.

Cohesion Mastery

In this training, we will explore the critical factor in law enforcement and public service teams: cohesion. This is a sense of boundedness, trust, and connection. How do you make this happen? We explore the psychological science of how to create great teams that maximize your ability to empower reports, manage conflict, inspire motivation, and foster long-term loyalty.